SundaysChild
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Re: Painful mammogram and now recall for suspicious lump
Hi All, just an update on this. I had the follow up appointment and the work up mammogram of the calcification. The radiologist still couldn’t give a diagnosis based on these as they still looked like a cluster on the 2D film so requested a 3D mammogram, which I did. Six films all up that day. The 3D showed it wasn’t a cluster at all so the radiologist was satisfied it wasn’t DCIS and didn’t require biopsy under another mammogram. They did a core biopsy of the lump under ultrasound and were kind enough to rush through the results in one day just cause I was so anxious and very relieved to report back the next day it was benign. These mammograms weren’t nearly as painful as the first one so possibly just depends on the radiographer on the day. Thank you all for your support. In the scheme of things it was such a petty question so I really appreciate the time you took to answer. I was so very anxious about just a diagnosis so I can’t even imagine how I would have been if the outcome was different. I have so much admiration for you all, getting through this AND supporting people you’ve never met. Thanks again xx18Views0likes0CommentsRe: Painful mammogram and now recall for suspicious lump
arpie said: It's Good that you've had your meeting @SundaysChild - even tho it appears to have raised more questions than answers. A week's wait is neither 'here nor there' - it is highly unlikely to cause any concern with your ongoing diagnosis or treatment. When it boils down to it - it is your body - & your choice. Do what is right for you. Get your pregnancy test done (all the best with that!) .... then take things from there. To get accurately diagnosed, you usually need to have at least one biopsy and ultrasounds (the biopsy is often under an ultrasound) & (sometimes) more mammograms and possibly other scans. Did they explain why they can't do the biopsy under ultrasound (rather than Mammogram), knowing that you weren't too fussed with your previous mammogram? All the best xx Thanks for your thoughts @arpie - they said the ultrasound wouldn't pick up the calcifications because of how small they are and where they were located. The ultrasounds they did didn't appear to pick up anything sinister - it's the calcifications they are concerned about. I just read about the concerns in having more than one mammogram every two years unnecessarily and this would be four in less than 2 weeks. I feel like I'm going around in circles. Everyone I speak to seems to think it's a no-brainer and I should have it for peace of mind. xx12Views0likes0CommentsRe: Painful mammogram and now recall for suspicious lump
Hi All, thank you for following up, I really appreciate it. The lumps were thought to be fibrous tissue and not the reason they called me back as they didn't even show up on the mammogram. I have a small cluster of calcifications in the right breast, and they wanted to do a "work up" mammogram and if necessary a biopsy under yet another mammogram to find the spot again AND get the sample. So all up would have been 3 mammograms in one day, in addition to the one I had 2 weeks ago. I raised my concerns about my previously painful and traumatic mammogram with them, but also a very small possibility that I may be pregnant and was very reluctant to make a decision there and then. TBH I felt very pushed to still go ahead with it there and then, but I decided to delay until next week when I can take a proper pregnancy test. Also so I could do some more investigation into any alternatives. The doctors noted that 90% of calcifications are benign and it didn't look particularly suspicious, and I know you'll all think I'm mad for delaying, but I'm really, really uncomfortable with that amount of radiation and the pain and trauma I went through last time. I asked if there were any other options to obtain a biopsy or assessment but they said no. Does anyone have any suggestions? They did do two rounds of ultrasounds and they noted the two lumps, which they don't seem to think is too suspicious, but did note that if a biopsy was needed it would be done after the calcification biopsy. I understand they do have my best interests in mind, but I did feel uncomfortably rushed and pushed, even in light of my concerns so just need to take some time to get my head around it, especially as I don't feel I'm over the last one, which I'm still in pain from. Any thoughts would be appreciated. xx2Views0likes0CommentsRe: Painful mammogram and now recall for suspicious lump
Everyone, thank you for all your support and reassurance. What a wonderful, amazing bunch of women you all are. Embracing a complete stranger and sharing your most personal and intimate stories. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Thank you. @kitkatb @kezmusc @kmakm @JulieVT11 @Sister @iserbrown @youngdogmum9Views5likes0CommentsRe: Painful mammogram and now recall for suspicious lump
Sister said: They do use a local for a core biopsy. I had a fine biopsy for a cyst many years ago but can't remember how that was done. Try to leave it alone as others have said - there's no way you can self-diagnose and you'll only make things more tender. They do mammograms on anxious woman every day so just let them know that the area is tender, that the screening mammo hurt, and that you're very anxious. I was shaking so much at mine, I suspect I was being held up by the machine rather than my knees. Ring someone up and make arrangements for a movie or a walk. It doesn't matter if you can't concentrate but you need to distract yourself. You've said that no-one can come with you but at the very least, if you can, make contact with someone who you can tell what is going on - it always helps if someone has your back. Thanks @Sister I have told a few very close friends who have been great, but I can't expect anyone to take time off work for that long to come with me. The limbo is just awful isn't it? I feel like I'm floating through the day, just wandering aimlessly around the house with no purpose :-( I don't know how I will be the next few weeks/months if I have to wait for further testing results.2Views0likes0CommentsRe: Painful mammogram and now recall for suspicious lump
JulieVT11 said: @SundaysChild to be honest not sure if there was a choice, when they called they said I would be having a repeat mammogram. Originally the mammogram picked up an area of DCIS so then had ultrasound which found a small lump in another area. Fine needle asp was done on the lump core biopsy done on DCIS. Boob was quite sore after but just like a bad bruise Oh @JulieVT11 that scares me if there's no choice about the second mammogram. I'm quite traumatised by it all :(5Views0likes0CommentsRe: Painful mammogram and now recall for suspicious lump
Sister said: Sorry @sundayschild I had to end abruptly as I was running late to pick up my daughter. With the recall, everything was done in one afternoon - physical examination by a doctor, followed by a mammogram, ultrasound and core biopsy - then a consultation with the nurse to discuss what would happen from there and to make the appointment for the results. Please try to take someone supportive with you to both appointments - partner, parent, sister, good friend... It helps with the anxiety and also to have someone else to hear what is said and ask any questions. I also found that I was too shaky and distracted to be safe behind the wheel. I don't think I'll be able to take anyone with me :-( Did the core biopsy require stitches, or local anaesthetic? Sorry I'm getting ahead of myself here, I'm just so anxious. Appreciate your time. xx2Views0likes0CommentsRe: Painful mammogram and now recall for suspicious lump
primek said: I had a recall for quite a large benign cyst years ago. It was definitely all set up ready to go with good support people. Mine was benign and I asked them to explain how they could tell this. If it had looked differently they would do a biopsy. I found a lump years later and went straight to ultrasound and biopsy. When we worry about physical health our focus can be on just that. We can suddenly be acutely aware of pain, heat and tingling as we are focussed on that. Also constant feeling, squeezing etc might actually be causing some inflammation and hense the heat...you might even have bruising appear. So my advise...no more touching. Try to get out and get distracted. Keep your mind busy in something other than the what ifs. Wednesday would feel a long way off but you will have answers soon. We all know how unbearably long the wait is. Take care. Kath x Thanks @primek - I know I should stop mucking around with it, but google says it's more likely to be a cyst if it's moveable and a regular shape. It's so weird that it feels like it's different hour to hour. It's so stressful and my moods change every 10 minutes. I was hoping to have some closure on Wednesday but it looks like if it needs further testing via biopsy that's another couple of weeks' wait :(2Views0likes0CommentsRe: Painful mammogram and now recall for suspicious lump
Thanks for sharing @JulieVT11 - can I ask - did they give you the option of NOT having the second mammogram? It really did my head in for a good week afterwards (still is given I'm still in pain). Why did they do a Fine Needle Aspiration and a Core biopsy and was it on the same lump? I can actually feel two lumps now. It's funny how you don't notice things and when this is a possibility, every symptom is magnified! I have had a sore lower back for a few days and pins and needles in my bottom that comes and goes and now I'm wondering if it's related. Did anyone get a second opinion on any of the results? I didn't even go to my GP as this was a regular screen, not one I was referred to because I had seen a lump, I only really noticed it just before I went there. Thank you again for sharing.3Views0likes0CommentsRe: Painful mammogram and now recall for suspicious lump
Thanks @iserbrown - this is really helping listening to other people's stories. Can I clarify, when you had your recall, did you do a second mammogram? In addition to the ultrasound and biopsy? I really don't want to do a second mammogram - I really think the first one has done some permanent damage. What type of surgery did you need to have? Thanks again for sharing your story with me.7Views0likes0Comments
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